Outer Banks, North Carolina, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, caused significant disruption along the U.S. East Coast, particularly in the Outer Banks, NC. With sustained winds reaching 105 mph and waves exceeding 44 feet, authorities ordered evacuations due to coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents. The storm, which made landfall on August 21, resulted in multiple rescues, road closures, and sadly, fatalities. NOAA warned of continued hazards even after the storm’s passage, urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety measures.
Hurricane Erin Causes Rip Currents, Coastal Flooding, and Evacuations Along U.S. East Coast
Outer Banks, North Carolina – Hurricane Erin, the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, passed perilously close to the U.S. East Coast on August 21, 2025. The storm, which began forming on August 11, rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, causing significant destruction in the Cape Verde Islands before weakening to a Category 2 as it approached the continental United States. Erin’s sustained winds reached up to 105 mph, with tropical storm-force winds extending as far as 575 miles from its center, leading to widespread coastal hazards.
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, evacuations were ordered in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where significant coastal flooding ensued from high tides and storm surges. A buoy reported waves soaring to 44.9 feet approximately 150 nautical miles off Cape Hatteras. Beach closures stretched from North Carolina to New York, as hazardous surf conditions and rip currents triggered safety concerns.
Prior to Erin making its closest approach, over 85 rescues were initiated due to dangerous rip currents. Wind gusts in the Outer Banks reached 53 mph, resulting in downed trees and power lines, particularly affecting New Jersey and leading to numerous power outages. Coastal flooding was predicted to peak during the high tide on the evening of August 21, especially in low-lying areas, contributing to road closures including the vital NC-12, which experienced significant overwash and debris cover.
Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of two individuals due to strong rip currents, with a third person reported missing. Even as the hurricane transitioned to a post-tropical storm, NOAA issued warnings that elevated ocean swells and rip current risks would persist along the coast through the weekend. Public safety officials strongly advised against swimming in coastal waters and encouraged residents to comply with evacuation orders issued in affected areas.
Impact Details and Forecast
Hurricane Erin’s expansive nature was captured by NOAA’s satellite imagery, revealing the storm’s extensive impact on marine conditions. While the storm is now moving north-northeast away from the coast, conditions are expected to remain hazardous for the days to come.
Residents in impacted regions are strongly urged to stay informed on weather updates and adhere to instructions from local authorities regarding safety measures and possible further evacuations. The community is reminded to stay vigilant as strong ocean currents can continue to pose a threat long after the storm has passed.
Background Context on Hurricane Erin
The hurricane season of 2025 commenced with the formation of Erin, a storm that quickly intensified into one of the more powerful storms recorded in recent years. This year’s season has already demonstrated unsettling trends in hurricane strength, which environmental scientists are monitoring closely. The storm’s earlier devastation of the Cape Verde Islands highlights the unpredictable nature of tropical storms and hurricanes, which can change rapidly in intensity and path.
FAQ
What was Hurricane Erin’s maximum wind speed?
The maximum wind speed of Hurricane Erin reached up to 105 mph.
Where did evacuations occur due to Hurricane Erin?
Evacuations were ordered in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
What were the reported wave heights during the storm?
Waves as high as 44.9 feet were reported by a NOAA buoy off Cape Hatteras.
How many rescues were made due to rip currents?
More than 85 rescues were conducted due to dangerous rip currents before Hurricane Erin’s closest approach.
What precautions were recommended to residents in affected areas?
Residents were advised to heed evacuation orders and refrain from swimming in coastal waters.
Chart of Hurricane Erin’s Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation Date | August 11, 2025 |
| Category at Formation | Category 5 |
| Category at Closest Pass | Category 2 |
| Maximum Wind Speed | 105 mph |
| Tropical Storm-force Winds Radius | 575 miles |
| Reported Wave Height | 44.9 feet |
| Evacuated Areas | Outer Banks, NC |
| Rescues Due to Rip Currents | 85+ |
| Fatalities | 2 confirmed, 1 missing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina Tourism Resilient Amid Hurricane Challenges
Experience Autumn Bliss in the Northern Outer Banks
Access Restored to Hatteras Island After Hurricane Erin
Coastal Erosion and Storm Costs Rise in Outer Banks, NC
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens for Travel After Hurricane Erin
Hatteras Island Residents Return as N.C. Highway 12 Reopens
N.C. 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin Impact
Loggerhead Sea Turtles Spotted in Outer Banks Amid Nest Destruction
Hurricane Erin Impacts North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hazardous Beach Conditions in North Carolina Due to Hurricane Erin
Additional Resources
- People: Hurricane Erin Passes by East Coast
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- CNN: Hurricane Erin Storm Path
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Weather.com: Hurricane Erin Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- New York Times: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
- Washington Post: Hurricane Erin Track and Impacts
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
